Unprofessional Conduct and Physical Assault by Lifeguard Samkelo

On 27 December 2024, my family and I visited the beach. My niece and I unfortunately were stung by jellyfish while swimming. Seeking to rinse off the stings with salt water and sand, we moved to a quieter area of the s****. There were 2 other drunk ladies there swimming and an Indian family. However, when Lifeguard Samkelo aggressively approached us, ordering us to leave the area and return to the crowded side of the beach, he was only addressing “us”

When I explained our situation and the need to treat our jellyfish stings, I refused to go back there as I was there to just to rinse myself and niece then go back to my family to sit down instead Samkelo became hostile, insulting me and implying that I was stupid (Inqondo incane ngiyamnyanyisa, how is this relevant?) for not following his instructions and his law of authority to get me arrested. (Of which, I explained to him that I am well aware of rights and there’s no law enforcement that will arrest a public servant whom has been stung by a jellyfish and being refused to treat herself). He further escalated the situation by pointing his fingers in my face, shouting, and using derogatory language.

Then I asked him that why is he not proceeding to the rest of the people to get them out the water as they’re swimming why is he attacking us so as he responds he tells me that by being there I am the reason why those people were there but yet I found them there and again he aggravated and pointed as my face and came closer to me shouting that I am a stupid ***** that cannot swim and should I drown he will not bother to come save me (this was relayed to me is my home language in IsiZulu) I tell this guy to stop pestering us because there are plenty of people around us aswel whom are actually SWIMMING.

Despite my requests for him to refrain from harassing us, Samkelo continued his aggressive behavior. When my younger sister intervened to protect me, Samkelo physically assaulted her, hitting her arm and leaving it swollen with fingerprints.

Throughout the ordeal, Samkelo showed no remorse or concern for our well-being, despite our visible distress and pain from the jellyfish stings. His actions were unprofessional, unacceptable, and constituted a clear case of gender-based violence.

When my older brother arrived at the scene, he attempted to reason with Samkelo, but the lifeguard refused to listen, allowing his emotions to cloud his judgment.

Later, Samkelo approached my mother, who was present at the beach, and attempted to discuss the incident with her. However, he provided a **** name, further demonstrating his lack of accountability and transparency. I found him though, goes to show that he clearly doesn’t know who I am and the influence I have.

I am deeply disturbed by Samkelo's conduct and the lack of accountability displayed by the eThekwini municipality. As a citizen, I expect public servants to uphold the values of respect, compassion, and professionalism.

I humbly request that the eThekwini municipality takes immediate action to:

1. Investigate this incident and hold Samkelo accountable for his actions. 2. Provide adequate training on conflict resolution, customer service, and gender sensitivity to all lifeguards and municipal staff. 3. Ensure that all staff members understand the importance of respecting and protecting the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.

This man is just another static of GBV camouflaged as a “Lifeguard” because how dare you lay your hands on women and still justify it while other patrons are “swimming”and we’re a threat and danger. What nonsensical behaviour is that?

Need I remind you that my niece and I were still in excruciating pain while all of this was happening. Great job Samkelo, you deserve a promotion!

I request a formal response regarding the actions taken by the municipality to address this incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Sincerely, A concerned citizen